EU/Jordan Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation: terms and conditions for the participation of Jordan in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

This is Council Decision (EU) 2026/1950 of 10 July 2026 on the conclusion of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters amending and supplementing the Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The purpose of the Decision is to approve, on behalf of the Union, the updated terms and conditions for Jordan's participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).

Background

PRIMA was established by Decision (EU) 2017/1324 under Horizon 2020, the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, for a period until 31 December 2028. Jordan is one of 19 Participating States in PRIMA, having previously concluded an agreement on scientific and technological cooperation (the PRIMA Agreement), which remains in force for as long as Decision (EU) 2017/1324 is in force.

Decision (EU) 2024/1167 extended PRIMA's overall duration until 31 December 2031 and provided for Jordan to continue as a Participating State under Horizon 2020. It also allowed Jordan to be considered a Participating State for activities under Horizon Europe, the current Framework Programme for Research and Innovation established by Regulation (EU) 2021/695, subject to the conclusion of an agreement updating the terms of Jordan's participation. Since Jordan expressed interest in continuing its participation under Horizon Europe, it needed to formally accept updated terms and conditions.

Negotiation and Signature

On 9 November 2023, the Council adopted Decision (EU) 2023/2621, authorising the Commission to negotiate the amending agreement with Jordan, alongside similar agreements for Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon and Morocco. Negotiations were finalised on 15 February 2024. Following Council Decision (EU) 2024/2875, the Agreement was signed on behalf of the Union on 7 July 2025, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

Content of the Decision

The Decision approves the Agreement on behalf of the Union. It mandates the Commission to proceed, on behalf of the Union, with the notification provided for in the Agreement, in order to express the Union's consent to be bound by it. The text of the Agreement will be published together with the Decision on its conclusion.

European Parliament's Role

The Decision was adopted on the basis of Article 186 and Article 218(6)(a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), following the consent of the European Parliament.

Entry into Force

The Decision entered into force on the date of its adoption, 10 July 2026. It was published in the Official Journal on 8 September 2026.

This summary was AI-generated and human-reviewed.